Margaret was relieved to find that, unlike the last time she dined with the Thorntons at the elaborate masters' dinner, Sunday dinner at the Thorntons' was a more practical affair. The meal began with rabbit soup and was followed by two removes. The first included a leg of mutton and boiled turkey, which was easier for Mrs. Thornton's digestion. The meat was accompanied by a mix of carrots, turnips and boiled potatoes. Mrs. Thornton prided herself by starting the week with an ample amount of food that could be stored and re-served later in the week for lunch or for the servants' dinner.
It was between the first remove and the second that John announced that Margaret and he were to be married.
Fanny scoffed and laughed, thinking it all a joke, until she looked to her mother and saw the gravity of the situation at hand. Margaret Hale inserting herself into Milton society? It was unthinkable that she would have to support Margaret's introduction into her circles of friends and dine with her every week in this house.
"Married?" She exclaimed as a maid delivered the cheese and mince pie. "Congratulations, John and best wishes to the bride!" Watson said merrily as he raised his claret in an awkward toast, acknowledged by John and Margaret alone, and drank in a bit more than good manners would expect. He was sustaining himself for what could be an unpleasant turn in the conversation. He then intently studied the cheese offering placed before him, hoping that Fanny would hold her tongue. "Why, yes! I suppose congratulations are in order, Miss Hale." Fanny acknowledged her soon to be sister in law.
"Thank you, Fanny." Margaret smiled politely, relieved that their engagement was at last known to all. The room grew very quiet as the family completed their meal, but Fanny's mind raced to consider the impact of John's pending nuptials. Although she could avoid Margaret socially, if needed, she could not control the fact that John's assets would now be probated away from her own children. What of Margaret Hale's rumored fortune in Milton? Perhaps this union could benefit the Watsons after all. If there were no children from the union, her family could do quite well.
"I suppose it's a comfort to you, John, to take a wife at this point in your life?" Fanny asked as John smiled, taking his sister's scheming in stride.
"Fanny, may I remind you that when you and Watson married, he was approximately my age?" John's voice was playful but stern as he spoke to his sister. He looked to Margaret to assure her that he would manage Fanny's anticipated histrionics.
"That was a completely different situation. Watson had no family when we married. You... why, you have Mother to consider. And me and my children, of course. What if Watson dies?" The man in question was accustomed to his wife's exaggerated statements and responded aimicably. "No worries on that account, my dear. I intend to stay for quite a while longer."
"Well you will need to consider Mother's care, of course." Fanny began.
"I shall. As I always have." John countered.
"It will not suit her to have all the noise that children are about." Fanny said authoritatively.
"Fanny, don't be ridiculous. " Mrs. Thornton scolded her daughter.
""I'm only looking out for your health, Mother!" Fanny exclaimed.
"Fanny, please." Watson warned his wife. He knew she would go too far.
"John has always looked out for me and I can fend for myself if needed." Mrs. Thornton held her head high, jutting her chin in the air.
"I say, John, she's sick enough as it is, and this could kill her!" Fanny contended.
"Fanny!" Both John and Watson exclaimed in unison.
Margaret quietly sat listening, her face flushed with embarrassment. Although she was not completely taken by surprise by Fanny's reaction to the news of their betrothal, she had been hopeful that the Thorntons would begin to welcome her into their family. As it was, she felt that they all appeared to forget she was in the room, as they talked around her, ignoring her feelings. She bowed her head, and admonished herself for raising her hopes of acceptance. Despite the fractured pieces of Hales and Shaws she had gathered to her over the years, she longed for the family of her youth, before Fred left and she was packed off to London She feared being set adrift once more; so much of her life had been spent watching those that she loved slip away while she was left alone. Tears stung her eyes, but she would not let them see her pain.
She heard John's chair slide back on the dark Persian rug beneath them. He stood facing his family. "I believe Miss Hale is still fatigued from her journey and should be taken home. " He came around the table and rested a hand on Margaret's shoulder. Margaret quickly brushed the tears from her eyes and smiled politely.
"We should be going as well." Watson mumbled, as he finished the last of his claret.
Taking John's hand, Margaret stood up from her chair to leave. "Thank you, Mrs. Thornton. It was a lovely dinner." Mrs. Thornton, although angered by her own daughter's outbursts, saw the sadness in Margaret and felt some regret. She had surprised herself as recognized that she was warming to the idea that John was to marry the woman before her. "It seems your news has taken us by surprise. I am sorry if you feel anything other than our blessing."
Margaret bowed in deference to the older woman. For John's sake, she knew that Mrs. Thornton was at least trying to be civil.
"You will come for tea, this week. We can discuss the wedding plans."
"Thank you, Mrs. Thornton. I would appreciate your guidance."
"You will need the best dressmaker and haberdasher, Miss Hale." Fanny interrupted.
"Yes Fanny." Mrs Hale said impatiently. "All that in time."
"Thank you, again. Mrs. Thornton. Please, call me Margaret." Mrs. Thornton gave a weak smile. "Good night, child."
"I will see Margaret home, Mother. Please don't wait up. You need your rest." John took Margaret by the elbow and guided her towards the foyer after they exchanged good byes with Watson an Fanny.
*****
Once in the carriage, John sat by Margaret's side, holding her hand in his. "I am sorry, Margaret."
"Don't be."
"In my excitement, I lost underestimated how Fanny would behave. I should have told her on my own."
"That wouldn't have been right, John. Fanny is who she is. She certainly hasn't changed over the years." Margaret said quietly, gazing out the window of the carriage.
"I will speak to her."
"No, you will not." Margaret said firmly.
"Margaret!"
"No John. I will not create a rift in this family. She will grow accustomed to the idea." They sat quietly for a moment, when Margaret thought to lighten his dark mood.
"I suspect it should only take a decade or two." Margaret said in jest. John saw her attempt to cheer him, loving her all the more for placing his feelings above her own.
"How will you ever accomplish that?" he asked.
" I will seek her advice on places to shop, of course." Margaret stated matter-of factly. John felt his mood start to pass.
" I am in want of a warm coat and sturdier clothes. Perhaps your sister will assist me." She offered as she leaned into him and smiled.
"You are cold my love?" John asked with real concern as he wrapper his arm around her shoulder.
"I had quite forgotten how chilly it is in Milton." She rested her head on his chest and John drew her closer, cradling her in his arms.
"I will bring you a cloak tomorrow, but is this satisfactory for the moment?" he whispered.
"Quite." Margaret sighed.